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An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. |
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The OEM radiator has plastic ends that tend to crack. The all aluminum Koyo radiator doesn't have this problem and also offers better cooling capacity. |
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The stock pre-cat tends to trap a lot of engine heat and is there only for help with cold-start emissions. They also tend to get clogged.
I went with a HKS mild steel downpipe. Should have gone with a stainless steel one but should be okay since I live in sunny California.
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Boost gauge is a must to help monitor any leaks, if you're overboosting, spiking, etc. Went with a simple Apex mechanical boost gauge. |
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The Apex N1 dual cat-back is a little loud, but looks great. If your FD3S is a daily driver I would suggest something like the M2 or Racing Beat, as they are not as loud. |
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The Tein HA coilovers is a great buy if you're looking to improve handling and lower your ride height. |
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In addition to the coilovers I had Ivan redo my suspension bushings. This got rid of the "clunk" noise that is so prevalent on the FD3S and also regains some of the
lost handling. |
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With the cat-back and downpipe I was starting to worry about getting enough fuel. Future plans include intake and intercooler, so it was only a matter of time before
an upgraded ECU would be required. Went with the Apex Power Full Computer (FC). Also got the Commander unit to monitor and set various parameters.
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The front strut tower (Cusco) bar improves in-turn response. |
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I was getting some "whoosing" noise, indicative of boost leak, probably some old couplers. Might as well also upgrade to the Efini Y-Pipe. |
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SSR GT1 17x9, +45mm offset. Wider is better. Larger image. |
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Yokohama AVS Intermediate 255/40-17. Tirerack had them on special for $94 - can't beat that. |
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My touring has tan leather. Don't like the color, too slippery. Got some based cloth seats. |
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M2 Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake. [SOLD] |
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The need to run more than stock boost has "forced" me to upgrade to an aftermarket intercooler. The Greddy stock mounted
intercooler is not the biggest, but it should be enough for me. There is no need to relocated or get a smaller battery,
it works with the Efini Y-pipe and it's CARB and EPA certified (not that it really matters...).
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Decided (for now) to go with the Apexi intake for purely aesthetic reasons. |
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The FC-Datalogit allows you to easily set various parameters
(timing, fan temperature, boost, etc.) and also lets you data log. Here's an example of me driving around for fun. |
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Stainless steel brake lines are suppose to give you better pedal feel/response. |
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Super Blue Racing brake fluid. Higher boiling point. |
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Hawk HP Plus brake pads. Better stopping power, less fading. |
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Italics indicate upgrades that have been purchased but not installed. |
Last updated: May 15, 2004 |
